Steven Jay Coil

Steven Jay Coil (Steve), beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, was a guiding light to many throughout his life. His passing has left a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He died at home in Burlington, North Carolina, on September 25, 2025, from lymphoma.

Steve was known for his compassion, kindness, and humor. He had a rare gift of making people feel safe, valued, and accepted, and used that gift to comfort people in times of need.

Steve's legacy is one of service and care for others. He devoted his life to creating spaces of love and belonging, organizing his life around his community to make sure it had what it needed. He was a founding member of the board of directors for Waypoint Church's preschool, building playground equipment and sharing in the joy of growing children. He set up technological systems in Haiti and organized medical care in Honduras, working with trusted friends to identify needs and fill them. He gave his skills as a counselor to the Marked Men community, facilitating retreats and small groups to help others move through traumatic experiences.

His proudest achievement was being a father and a grandfather. He was a constant source of comfort and support for his daughter and was delighted by everything about his grandson.

Steve was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Asbury University and a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During his career as a guidance counselor and educator with Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools, Steve gave special care and attention to those who were bullied, making sure an ostracized child always felt safe in his classroom. After leaving education, he brought his skills in IT to a role as a systems programmer at UNC Chapel Hill, working inside the Department of Energy for many years.

Steve is survived by his daughter, Taylor Coil; son-in-law, Austin Bagwell; and 8-month-old grandson, Arthur Bagwell, the light of his life. He is also survived by his siblings, Jeffrey Coil, Donn Coil, and Dianne Coil; and by his nieces and nephews, Alissa Huggins, Ryan Coil, Joshua Coil, Molly Richardson, Ginny Rae Turner, and Mary Claire Bacon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mildred Coil.

The absence of Steve's kind spirit is deeply felt, but his legacy of compassion, service, wisdom, and humor will continue to inspire all those who carry his memory forward.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the 529 educational fund for Arthur Bagwell, Steve's grandson. You can make a secure gift contribution using the instructions below. Your entire gift will go to Arthur's 529 account. 

1. Go to Ugift529.com.
2. Enter the Ugift code: 97D-636
3. Enter your name and the amount of your gift.
4. Make your gift via electronic funds transfer or check.